What do you think of when you think of an angel? Maybe you picture a white-robed being with wings – in my experience, that’s what many interpretations are. Or, maybe your angel is the “cute baby type” – the winged cherub that resembles Cupid on Valentine’s Day cards. But as is often the case, our perception has been shaped by years and years of additional content that could potentially distract us from the meaning of the opening of Hebrews.
The Bible mentions a few different “types” of angels, simply coming from different words and descriptions used for them. The descriptions of these are a far cry from the genteel porcelain figurines that many of us imagine, and if you ever want to see some artist renderings of what they might look like, search “biblically accurate angels.” But be warned, it’s rather unsettling. It makes a lot more sense why angels might have continually told those to whom they appeared to “not be afraid.” Judging from their descriptions of having multiple faces and being made of eyes, I would be afraid, too!
The other thing besides the physical descriptions of angels is the role they play. While some angels are designated to deliver messages to humanity, others were meant to worship God, and still others were meant to guard or fight. These are roles many people would have been aware of, with a vast of cosmology coming from multiple different traditions.
Basically, angels look a lot of different ways and play a lot of different roles, and in the letter to the Hebrews, it addresses the issue that some people thought perhaps this incredible Jesus person was just another form of heavenly being serving God.
The author of Hebrews, historically thought to be Paul, starts in a way unlike many other letters. Instead of a gentle greeting and expression of thankfulness, the letter opening leaves nothing to wonder for those thinking perhaps this “messiah” was just a heavenly messenger:
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” (Hebrews 1:3)
Before anything else, the author wanted to make sure we were on the same page about Jesus. Let it be known: This wasn’t an angel serving God, but this was God incarnate, coming to die and defeat sin and death for us. The question this invites for us is: Who is Jesus to you? A smart teacher? A nice guy whose example we should follow?
Question for reflection:
- What might change for you if this opening talking about Jesus (as the very manifestation of God that sustains all things) is right? How different might your day look through that lens?